NBR: Allergy

AshleyPT

It seems I have developed an allergy. I've never had a single allergic reaction before so I'm kind of freaking out. Over the past week I've had three episodes and everytime it has gotten SIGNIFICANTLY worse. My face is swelling and I am getting covered in a red itchy rash in addition to having huge raised welts all over me.

 I can't figure out anything new in my diet. It has happened after 3 different dinners. But I can't find an ingredient link to those dinners that is different than other times. Is this something you try to figure out on your own or does going to a doctor help? I don't like that it has escalated so much after every occurrence.

hepcats

Wow that is weird! If it were just a rash, I'd probably try to figure it out on my own and set up a tasting line full of the stuff that could have been in the dinners I'd had. Since you're also getting face swelling, that's an anaphylactic reaction and I would definitely see an allergist pronto. You'll have to tell us what it is when you figure it out. GL!!

tulipblossom

Its not unheard of to have an adult onset allergy it has happened to a few people I know. I would talk to your Dr or an allergist to get an allergy test done asap

aniceucchik

There are some uncommon allergens that people dont think of. Obviously the top 8, dairy, eggs, nuts, peanuts, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish, but you can also be allergic to bananas (me), mangoes, seeds, food dyes, other types of fish, strawberries, raspberries, corn, spices, including cinnamon, hot spices, etc etc...techinically ANY food can pose a allergic reaction. The first time you are exposed to an allergen, you usually dont show a reaction as your body needs to develop whatever it does to create the reaction; the next time or two you are exposed is when the reaction happens and it usually gets worse and your body builds up the stuff that creates the reaction.

You can get a RAST blood test to check for the top eight and some some other things like seeds and certain fishes, and you can get a skin test to confirm, but if its something not common then you will have to bring that item into the allergy docs office and they will test your skin with it, as they only keep the common things readily available.

aniceucchik

Also if you can tell me each thing that was an ingredient in your dinners, I could maybe tell you what the culprits could be...I have lots of experience with that kinda thing

PM me if you want!!

AshleyPT

Thanks guys. We looked at the ingredients and there wasn't one that was in all 3 meals. I already don't eat dairy, but it doesn't seem to be wheat because I eat a lot of other meals with wheat. I did however start drinking beer very recently and did have it with those 3 meals.

kas80

I randomly developed an allergy to pumpkin seeds about 3 years ago.  I had never had any food allergies before so it was really strange, I never knew you could develop one later in life.  If I eat them my lips swell up significantly.

I would definitely see an allergist.  I've heard that once you start having a reaction it will get worse each time (sometimes significantly worse).  If you don't know what to avoid you could have a big problem one day.